To research and develop innovative solutions to extend the high efficiency operating region of traction drives to promote high efficiency part-load operation, which constitutes the majority of the operating duty in electric vehicles (EVs)and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs). By investigating variable flux solutions for permanent magnet (PM) brushless machines, to adjust the resultant excitation level (using electrical & mechanical means) in accordance with the vehicle operation, the overall efficiency of the
drive system will be improved while the high-efficiency operating region will be extended to facilititate an increased vehicle range and reduced battery requirements.
The strategic importance of the project is that at the present time no cost effective solution exists that is able to maximise the high operating efficiency region of a PM machine in accordance with the requirements of a zero, or ultra-low carbon vehicle's duty cycle. The project will collate existing
topologies and create breakthrough research in the area of variable flux PM machines and their control.
The outcomes will be validated through CAD/CAE and scaled proof-of-concept prototypes to demonstrate the effectiveness of controlling the flux excitation by both mechanical actuation and electrical means, ultimately leading to a working demonstrator. The objective of the project is to create new technology in the area of ultra-efficient electrical machines that will be packaged into a traditional vehicle architecture